New numbers released by the Federal Reserve in January show that consumer revolving credit increased by 1 percent to $858 billion in November. While fourth quarter numbers, which reflect the holiday shopping season, wont be released until next month, Americans did incur $14.1 billion in new credit card debt in the third quarter of 2012, according to credit card research company Card Hub.

While these numbers indicate an uptick in consumer credit card spending, they are 14 percent less than the same quarter of the year before. But based on Novembers increase and annual holiday spending trends, many families could be facing a big bill in the new year: third quarter calculations show that the average American household has $6,747 in credit card debt. Personal finance expert, author and financial insider Matthew J. Rettick is encouraging every American to make it their New Years resolution to dump debt this year.

Rettick, is cautiously optimistic: Americans are being more responsible with their credit cards and hopefully that restraint carried through to their holiday spending, and will continue throughout 2013. However, if credit card debt is plaguing us, its time to take action and there is no better time than New Years to put that plan into action!

Rettick advises that the best way to tackle post-holiday credit card debt is to pay it off as soon as possible. First, develop a savings plan so that we can identify the extra dollars available to pay down debt. Then, consolidate debt so that we are paying the lowest interest rate possible, and finally, go on a spending diet and pay down that debt as quickly as possible. By doing these three things, we can become more financially fit in 2013. Rettick offers a free report Financial Freedom Wake-Up Call that teaches us what to do after becoming credit card-debt free by saving consistently and investing wisely for a secure financial future, available on his website, http://www.ChecksandBalances.TV.

Rettick, the visionary and host of Checks and Balances TV, is an accomplished author, recognized educator, sought-after speaker and advocate for personal finance and longevity planning for retirement. He has been featured on several national television programs including NBCs Today, Fox & Friends, Fox Business and more. Rettick also co-authored the book Fiscal Fitness: 8 Steps to Wealth and Health from Americas Leaders of Fitness and Finance with the late famed fitness guru Jack LaLanne. Fiscal Fitness is dedicated to teaching Americans how to gain and maintain control of their physical and financial well-being and improve their quality of life, both now and as they age. His second book, All The Rules Have Changed: What You Must Do to Succeed in a New Financial Reality is due out the first quarter of 2013.

ABOUT CHECKS AND BALANCES TV Checks and Balances TV (CBTV) is Americas #1 source for balanced financial advice. Through its weekly news program and interactive website, CBTV provides viewers and users free access to a variety of informative videos and podcasts, downloadable reports, tips, tools and techniques and more to help consumers achieve financial freedom and retirement success. Become a 21st Century Investor, prepare for a Debt Free Retirement and discover what is Financial Fact or Fiction on http://www.ChecksandBalances.TV. The shows host, Matthew J. Rettick, the Man with the Plan, gives the truth needed to financially succeed Fridays at 4:00 p.m. EST. Log on, tune in, download from and interact with Checks and Balances TV, where financial truth and balanced advice finally meet.

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For more information and to schedule an interview with Matthew J. Rettick of Checks and Balances TV please call Alana Kohl at (702) 685-7450 or (702) 466-4111 or email her at alana(at)advisorpr(dot)com.